Why do aftermarket tube doors seem so complex to install? Why do I need an installation guide?

[Mr Miami]

Backround: I have been driving jeeps with half doors for the past 35 years. I still have a '99 TJ and '16 JKU, both with factory half doors. I would have purchased them for the '24 JTR I recently bought but of course they are not offered, not even the dual door group.

Since I do like the open air thing (or something like riding in a golf cart since I never take the actual top off in the Florida sun), I have looked at several of the door options from the aftermarket companies such at Quadratec but notice something I do not understand. Why do so many mention installation. drilling, adjusting, etc.? I currently put on and take off my half doors by just removing the two Torx bolts and away I go (in fact, don't tell anyone, but I don't even bother with the bolts anymore. The weight of the door holds if just fine in the two hinges.).

Why shouldn't aftermarket doors just drop right into the current hinges and line up with the door latch? I mean, are the door specifications and latches that much different between models? I don't really understand the complexity, if indeed it even exists.

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[ALT2870]

Minor deviations are common regardless of man and machine. It's better for these guys to make it adjustable so you can get a nice snug no rattle fit. Forum sponsor/member @Exceed Fabrication makes a nice affordable set and no drilling required. Final product had a lot of forum member input as do most of their products.

 

[Gregj]

I have the EAG tube doors and they only require adjustment on the initial install, after that it’s just lift off and drop on.
Gregj

 

[Supazuk]

I never put my bolts in my doors unplug and lift ... and tube doors as said (even my factory half doors 23 JT dual door group) need adjustment and come with instructions

 

[Exceed Fabrication]

Backround: I have been driving jeeps with half doors for the past 35 years. I still have a '99 TJ and '16 JKU, both with factory half doors. I would have purchased them for the '24 JTR I recently bought but of course they are not offered, not even the dual door group.

Since I do like the open air thing (or something like riding in a golf cart since I never take the actual top off in the Florida sun), I have looked at several of the door options from the aftermarket companies such at Quadratec but notice something I do not understand. Why do so many mention installation. drilling, adjusting, etc.? I currently put on and take off my half doors by just removing the two Torx bolts and away I go (in fact, don't tell anyone, but I don't even bother with the bolts anymore. The weight of the door holds if just fine in the two hinges.).

Why shouldn't aftermarket doors just drop right into the current hinges and line up with the door latch? I mean, are the door specifications and latches that much different between models? I don't really understand the complexity, if indeed it even exists.

We have tested many common tube doors on the market. I have a few pieces of information to see if it can help you.
1. I agree with you, I also think that these doors are not that different. Many tube doors provide a much larger adjustment range than necessary. I believe that most brands will have the same accurate frame model as us when designing, but it does not mean that we need to be so accurate.

2. Assuming that the actual difference of these body frames is -10 to 10, we provide a range of -30 to 30. If we accidentally achieve -9 to 11, some customers will not be able to install due to adjustment problems, which is disastrous for mass production.

3. I once did a post where I swapped the factory doors of two Gladiators and made them work properly without any adjustment. We used to adjust the tube door once and it worked fine on multiple JT and JL, so I think the differences are minor.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/can-you-swap-the-doors-of-two-jeeps.89911/

3. I think for most brands, once you have done the first calibration, it is indeed as easy as you said to swap the doors each time. I think the main purpose of the manual is to help you calibrate the first time and help you complete some preliminary assembly. Just like buying a cabinet from IKEA, you need the manual to assemble it, but you don't need it when you use it.

 

[Gregj]

We have tested many common tube doors on the market. I have a few pieces of information to see if it can help you.
1. I agree with you, I also think that these doors are not that different. Many tube doors provide a much larger adjustment range than necessary. I believe that most brands will have the same accurate frame model as us when designing, but it does not mean that we need to be so accurate.

2. Assuming that the actual difference of these body frames is -10 to 10, we provide a range of -30 to 30. If we accidentally achieve -9 to 11, some customers will not be able to install due to adjustment problems, which is disastrous for mass production.

3. I once did a post where I swapped the factory doors of two Gladiators and made them work properly without any adjustment. We used to adjust the tube door once and it worked fine on multiple JT and JL, so I think the differences are minor.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/can-you-swap-the-doors-of-two-jeeps.89911/

3. I think for most brands, once you have done the first calibration, it is indeed as easy as you said to swap the doors each time. I think the main purpose of the manual is to help you calibrate the first time and help you complete some preliminary assembly. Just like buying a cabinet from IKEA, you need the manual to assemble it, but you don't need it when you use it.

My personal experience as well. My tube doors are adjusted to my JL and they fit fine on my JT, just the drivers door was a little harder to close but the other three were fine.
Gregj

 

[Mr Miami]

We have tested many common tube doors on the market. I have a few pieces of information to see if it can help you.
1. I agree with you, I also think that these doors are not that different. Many tube doors provide a much larger adjustment range than necessary. I believe that most brands will have the same accurate frame model as us when designing, but it does not mean that we need to be so accurate.

2. Assuming that the actual difference of these body frames is -10 to 10, we provide a range of -30 to 30. If we accidentally achieve -9 to 11, some customers will not be able to install due to adjustment problems, which is disastrous for mass production.

3. I once did a post where I swapped the factory doors of two Gladiators and made them work properly without any adjustment. We used to adjust the tube door once and it worked fine on multiple JT and JL, so I think the differences are minor.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/can-you-swap-the-doors-of-two-jeeps.89911/

3. I think for most brands, once you have done the first calibration, it is indeed as easy as you said to swap the doors each time. I think the main purpose of the manual is to help you calibrate the first time and help you complete some preliminary assembly. Just like buying a cabinet from IKEA, you need the manual to assemble it, but you don't need it when you use it.

Many thanks to you and others who have responded. I just took it for granted that doors are doors and they should automatically fit. I now see that some adjustment is better for the user in the long run. Again, thanks.

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